Oyo State Police Arrest 16 Suspected Cultists, Recover Arms at The Polytechnic, Ibadan

…As Weapons seized; suspects linked to murder, cult activities under probe

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity during a coordinated operation at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

According to a statement issued on April 29, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation followed credible intelligence that members of the group were planning a meeting within the institution’s.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, personally led the operation after obtaining approval from the school authorities.

The police targeted a location within the campus believed to serve as a meeting point for the group.During the raid, 14 males and two females were arrested at and around the venue.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that some of the suspects had been on the Command’s watchlist for alleged involvement in murder cases and cult-related activities in the state.

Items recovered from the suspects include two locally made guns, two pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes, and assorted charms.

The police noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities and to track down other accomplices who are currently at large.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes in Oyo State.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.